I hope this can be a place of encouragement. A place to find hope. A place intended for God's direction. May you be blessed by visiting here! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/luvmysaviour/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:19:00 -0600 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:19:00 -0600 It's been a while since I posted, but I had to share a story about a recent home school field trip my boys and I took. Last week, our local L.E.A.H. group took a trip to a field campus that teaches participants what life was like during the 1800's.  Our group learned how to track animals by following their tracks and droppings.  It was a lot of fun taking our hike through the woods, and exploring all the wonderful things God has created.  Next, we learned some orienteering.  We had a great time learning how to use a compass, and work through a course using our new found skills.  Our final experience of the day was to do homestead cooking. All was going well as the children helped combine the ingredients to make gingerbread in the old woodstove.  As the bread was put in the stove to cook, our group leader showed us how to clean and prepare lamb's wool for spinning.  Everyone was having a wonderful time. While the guide was demonstrating how to use the spinning wheel, we heard a loud "bang!", as if someone had dropped a bowling ball.  I thought (as did the others) that a child had knocked something off a table.  After a moment, we heard another "BANG!", at which point I was searching the floor for the dropped object.  Soon after, we heard a crackling sound, at which point the floor caved in under us! There was panic and pandemonium, and moms were racing to pull their children to safety.  It's amazing how many thoughts can run through your mind in a moment's time.  "Will we fall 2 feet or 20?  Is someone going to die?  Don't let the children touch the woodstove!  Is the whole building coming down?"  It was all a blur, but God was in control, protecting us. After the dust settled, and I found my children, I was amazed at what I came to realize had happened.  First, the floor only fell about 3 feet, but the bookcases had caved in on us, dropping heavy pottery, and almost knocked the woodstove into the pit (which would have caused a house fire).  As I was tending to a young lady who had burned her hand on the stove, there was so much more going on in the house. My oldest son (10) had grabbed his younger brother (7) to keep him from falling into the open fireplace.  Another mother grabbed my oldest, her son grabbed her, and his friend grabbed him, forming a human chain.  None of these children were over the age of 13, yet, their first response was to help each other!  Instead of running for their lives, they were concerned with the safety and welfare of those around them. It will forever be etched into my memory that these young boys behaved like brave men.  I praise God for the brotherhood and character these children have been taught.  I believe it has, in large part, something to do with the fact that they are home, and being trained up in the way they should go.  It is a rarity to see others show such selflessness in this self-serving, self-preserving world we live in.  I am sure that their actions were a testimony to those running the facility and program. By the way, would pray for one mother who is having difficulty dealing with the incident?  Her two daughters were most affected by this situation.  One burned her hand on the woodstove, and the other had been pinned under one of the bookcases for a few minutes.  Neither was seriously injured, but the emotional trauma goes a little deeper. Praise God, it could have been worse.  The woodstove was one plank away from falling into the hole.  It had twisted and turned, but it was like God's hand just held it in place.   May we all hug our loved ones a little tighter, and appreciate every day we are given with them.    http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/luvmysaviour/466805/ Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:19:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/luvmysaviour/466805/ I am very sad today.  You see, back in 1995 I lost my brother to a tragic death.  In addition, I lost his daughter... not to death, though it might as well have been... My brother was not married to the mother of his child.  After his death, this woman took my niece away from our side of the family.  She was only 2 when my brother died... she is now 14. Through the miracle of the internet, I have found her.  Sadly, I can't contact her as her site is set to private.  I have also found her mother's site, and have yet to contact this woman.  See... my family tried many, many times to contact my niece.  All efforts were met with resistance, and we are sure that any cards, letters, or phone calls were discarded, and my niece was never informed of them. I should get to the point of this article.... Please pray for me and my family.  Pray that my niece's heart would be softened to receiving communications from this side of the family.  There is a whole other side to her life that she does not realize exists.  There has been a gaping hole in our hearts since 1995...  now the pain is fresh again as the hope of seeing this child has been rekindled...  We need her in our lives... we miss her desperately... Thank you so much for your kindness, and prayers... ~Tammy http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/luvmysaviour/381574/ Wed, 29 Aug 2007 01:37:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/luvmysaviour/381574/ Despite the heat, I was determined to make some home-made blueberry muffins tonight.  Am I glad I did!  They were SO good, and everyone but my youngest liked them (the youngest just doesn't like blueberries).  There is just a feeling of satisfaction that comes when you know you have made something healthy for your family, and that they all enjoy it! (most of them, anyway)  Tonight, they couldn't wait to help make the muffins.  When I announced I would be baking them, I was greeted with, "Can we help?!?!?!?"  Yes! What pleased me even more was the desire my children had to help me today.  You see, just a few days ago, we made some zucchini bread.  I asked the boys if they wanted to help.  They couldn't wait to crack the eggs!  Then they took turns holding the blender, and stirring the mix.  I could hear 'ewwww', 'yuck', 'this is gross' coming from their little lips as they mixed the zucchini into the bowl.  They just 'knew' they wouldn't like it! Well, you should have seen the look of surprise on their faces when they actually TASTED the fruits of their labor!  They couldn't get enough of it!  In fact, I sent some with my dh to work, and sent an extra piece for his co-worker.  Neither one could wait for the next day's lunch.    Yes, it was very rewarding to know I had brought such pleasure to those I care about. What was more exciting to me is what happened today.  I had to do some shopping, and had a LOT of items to carry into the house.  As soon as I got home, the boys got right to work helping to unload the car.  I didn't even have to ask!  Now THAT is rewarding!  I was so proud of those little buggers!  I know, I know... I sound like I am gushing... well.... I am!  I have just seen such growth in them, and I know it's because they are home... where they belong.... They see and participate in the work that must be done, and have a real appreciation for all that they have. Isn't that how it is when we deal with those around us?  Sometimes we find ourselves saying, 'ewww', 'yuck', 'this is gross'!  Sometimes we just don't see how it could possibly work out well... how there could be 'sweetness' in the end result.  It reminds me of what God said about Moses in Hebrews 11:25, "Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt:  for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward."  It may look like a mushy, yucky mess to us, but the best is yet to come.... the reward!    http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/luvmysaviour/379392/ Sat, 25 Aug 2007 00:38:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/luvmysaviour/379392/ My boys, Biddeford, ME http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/luvmysaviour/377218/ Tue, 21 Aug 2007 15:24:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/luvmysaviour/377218/ It's a chilly, rainy day here in New York.  Quite chilly for August, actually.  To be honest, I am kind of enjoying it.  In fact, I was able to start a small fire in the woodstove this morning to take the chill out of the air.  There's something so peaceful... so relaxing... about a rainy, chilly day (especially with a fire in the woodstove). I don't know about you, but for me, a rainy day is a time to sit back and enjoy all that God has given me.  I thank him for a roof over my head, for the warmth of a blanket, a nice cup of tea... for the sounds of my children playing quietly together... true tranquility.  It almost forces you to just slow down, take it easy, take a breath.... sigh.... I feel wrapped in God's love today.  It's like a child who has cuddled up on his mother's lap, nuzzled his head in the crook of her neck, and fallen to sleep.  So cozy, so welcoming, so at peace. Maybe your day is nothing like this.  Maybe you have children running the halls, laughing, screaming, playing... Still, I hope that you can find at least a few moments to sit, be still, and take it all in.  This is living!  I wouldn't trade it for anything! God bless you and yours today! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/luvmysaviour/377051/ Tue, 21 Aug 2007 10:45:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/luvmysaviour/377051/ "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." If there is one thing I can take away from growing up with my step-father, it is to have a servant's heart.  This is something I have been trying to instill in my own children.  In today's society, everyone is just so consumed with doing what is best for "me".  I am horrified by the selfish, unruly, angry, disobedient children I see all around me, on the news, in the movies, etc.  This is in a severe contrast to what God says in his word in Philippians 2:4, "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." More than academia, more than 'self-esteem', more than making sure my children play on every possible sports team, I want to nuture a sincere spirit of servanthood.  If Christ could give up his 'rights' for me, then we can give up our 'rights' for others.  May we model this example for our children, and for those around us.  Amen!    http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/luvmysaviour/344767/ Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:30:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/luvmysaviour/344767/ But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  I Thess. 4:13 This really has nothing to do with homeschooling, but I had to put it on here... There was a homecoming celebration in Heaven today.  At 12:30 a.m., Sunday, May 20, 2007, my step-father closed his eyes, and took his last breath.  I can honestly say he is at rest now.  His soul rests safely in Christ's arms.  Jim knew the Lord in a personal way, and he brought me up in the way I should go.  For this, I will be forever grateful. I am sad today.  No more will I be able to call him... to share a laugh, ask for prayer, seek advise, shed some tears...  I am sad that I will not hear his voice each morning as was our routine.  See, he lived 700 miles away, but we spoke every morning on the phone... some days it was for 2 hours at a time.  I will miss those calls.  But, I do not sorrow like those who have no hope.  This was not a good-bye... this was, "until we meet again". I can honestly say I understand how Christ must have felt in the Garden before his death.  I have felt so abandoned by friends and family.  Seems like most everyone has been so caught up in their own situations, they have not been able to see beyond to the hurt going on around them.  I cling to Christ for my comfort, and I pray HE helps me to forgive those who just don't seem to be there.  I know Christ understands, even when others don't. Please pray for me.  My children and I will be heading down to North Carolina to help Jim's wife (my parents were divorced and re-married).  My husband will stay home so he can work.  Pray for safety for all of us, and that we can accomplish what needs to be accomplished.  I do appreciate it. May God bless you today and always. In Christ, Tammy http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/luvmysaviour/331276/ Sun, 20 May 2007 23:21:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/luvmysaviour/331276/ Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised; and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  Hebrews 10:23-25 Ahhh, today was a glorious day!  After thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy rains yesterday, we were blessed with a peaceful, sunny day today.  I was able to get together with some fellow homeschoolers and go to the local State Park.  In total, there were 7 adults, and 17 children.  Sound like chaos?  Not at all!  Though there were many public school field trips today, with children running here and there, our group was well mannered, and a pleasure to be around.  The older ones were helping the little ones.  One Mom held another's child while the other Mother wiped a nose, tied a shoe, or took someone to the potty.  Cooperation was one of the group's many strong points today. As I read the verse above, I think of my fellow homeschoolers.  Too many times we get wrapped up in the "busy"ness of our days, that we forget to 'assemble ourselves together' with those who most need us... other homeschoolers.  We don't have to be "Lone Rangers" in our quest to homeschool.  I treasure times with my friends and their families.  It is a time of refreshing and rejuvenation for both me and my children. Let's exhort one another, let's provoke one another unto love and good works.  Let's be a support for those around us.  Treasure the times you have together.  Make time for MORE of those times.  Appreciate your homeschool friends.  I know I do, and I thank God upon every remembrance of them. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/luvmysaviour/330001/ Thu, 17 May 2007 17:57:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/luvmysaviour/330001/ I have to say, I have found myself in so many situations lately where I can share of my experience as a homeschooler.  Oh yes, I still get the typical questions, "Are you a teacher?"  (Well, yes... God tells ME to train up my children... that's certification enough for me!).  "Do you have to file with the state?"  (Of course, homeschoolers seem to have more regulations than public school families do.  Yes, I abide by NYS laws and follow the regulations.)  "Aren't you being over protective?"  (Well, if you think that being involved in my children's activities: knowing where they are, knowing what they're doing, who their friends are, and what they are exposed to each day, is being over protective, then... yes, I guess I am.  Pardon me for caring!)  Or, how about this one... "What about socialization?" (don't you just LOVE that question?)  If you have ever been around me or my children, you would see just how well-adjusted and socialized they are.  We are comfortable around all sorts of people... old people, young people, everyone in between... My children do not live in a bubble.  They are not in a classroom all day with people their own age, and yet, they can have a real conversation with an elderly friend or a young child.   God has put such compassion in their little hearts, and they truly are a blessing to all those they come in contact with. God has put me in touch with SO many new homeschoolers lately.   If you couldn't tell, I get very passionate about this topic.  I believe in it whole heartedly.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  When I found this blogger site, I was thrilled!  Now I could share my enthusiasm with anyone who would have the patience to endure it!  I pray that I can be a blessing to all those who visit here.  Please feel free to contact me if you need to be encouraged, want some ideas, or just want to say "HI!"   May God bless you! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/luvmysaviour/327777/ Sat, 12 May 2007 21:49:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/luvmysaviour/327777/